COMPARING OPTIONS FOR TILE, CARPET, VINYL FLOORING

Last week, we looked at hardwood and laminate as flooring choices. Now let’s consider the other major categories: carpeting, tile and vinyl flooring.

Carpet

Benefits: Soft and cozy, carpet is comfortable to play on — a plus if you have children. Today’s carpets offer advanced stain resistance and are easier to care for than ever before.

Where should it be used? Carpet is great in areas where you want to linger and lounge, like the bedroom, den and living areas. It is not a good choice in areas where it will be exposed to spills, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Many carpets undergo the Performance Appearance Rating walk test, which is approved by the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI). Look for the chart on the back of each sample to see if the carpet is good for moderate, active or heavy use.

Tile

Benefits: Versatile and classic, tile is long-wearing and comes in so many styles, you’re bound to love one. Tile is unmatched for its superior moisture resistance and good looks.

Where should it be used? Natural stone is a showstopper in the foyer. Ceramic is a favorite in kitchens, bathrooms and entryways for its moisture resistance. Porcelain tile holds its own with the elements and is ideal for indoor/outdoor living spaces such as patios and decks. If the tile will be exposed to water, choose a rough, tumbled finish to avoid slips and falls. To avoid stained, dirty grout between tiles, consider the new TrafficMaster Stainproof Grout with Scotchgard Protector, which is resistant to common household stains such as wine, coffee, ketchup and shoe polish, as well as mold, mildew and color fading.

Vinyl

Benefits: Easy to install, vinyl flooring is the most economical flooring option. Sold by the linear foot in wide, seamless, wall-to-wall rolls or simple square peel-and-stick tiles, vinyl is a good utility floor that is easy to clean.

Where should it be used? Vinyl is great for utility rooms such as laundry rooms, basements and even kitchens.

Rick Carpenter is store manager of the Sports Arena Home Depot store. Email questions for him to homeandgarden@utsandiego.com